Arsenal boss Unai Emery promotes FOUR youngsters to first-team squad for Blackpool clash in Carabao Cup

UNAI EMERY has called four youngsters into his Arsenal squad for their Carabao Cup clash with Blackpool.

The in-form Gunners entertain League One Blackpool on Wednesday night looking to seal a place in the fifth round of the League Cup.

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And though Emery has often resisted making wholesale changes to his side for cup competitions so far during his reign, the Arsenal boss could take a different approach this time round.

For he may also have one eye on this weekend when he picks his team to play Blackpool - with Liverpool next up on the horizon.

Jurgen Klopp's Premier League title hopefuls visit the Emirates this weekend in a clash of two of the form sides in the division.

So Emery will want to ensure he has as many of his key players available to him for that match, which will go a long way to showing how close his team are to the best teams in England.

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That has seen the Spaniard call up four youngsters from the development squad to train with the senior side this week.

Emile Smith Rowe. Joe Willock, Eddie Nketiah and Julio Pleguezuelo were all summoned by the Arsenal boss to join in with the first team this week.

And all four were left out of the development squad which is in Checkatrade Trophy action against Cheltenham on Tuesday night.

Smith Rowe, 18, has already made an impact this season in three first team appearances and is in contention for a starting role against Blackpool.

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Fellow midfielder Willock made the breakthrough into the first team last season but has yet to figure under the new manager so far - but he too is in the squad.

Striker Nketiah is another who Emery has so far chosen to ignore, despite having made ten appearances under Arsene Wenger last season.

And the injury to Hector Bellerin during the 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace last week has seen Spanish right-back Pleguezuelo also drafted into contention.

The 21-year-old has spent the past two seasons on loan in Spain, but is pushing for a chance to stake a claim with the senior side at the Emirates.